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DR. RICHARD STRAND
As an editorial team, we put a lot of thought into the title that emphasized open access to the masses, not just the privileged,
we select to feature on the cover of Leadership–in fact it is ofen the well-connected, or the richly endowed. Tis model grew
the frst thing we decide on, typically months in advance of the and prospered mightily across the globe–an industrial age-like
edition’s scheduled publication date. Te hope and expectation manufacturing platform that was built with intention to provide
is that the title will serve to inspire our contributing authors and access coupled with the promise that with a given amount of
attract the interest of our readers across the globe. Ideally we ability, attention, efort, and treasure (and this perhaps the least of
don’t have to explain it, just let it speak for itself. Well, perhaps in our sacrifces), a better future was not only possible but probable.
this instance a bit of background is useful. And for the most part it seems to have worked.
Winter of Discontent! Not to be confused with John Steinbeck’s But of late, serious questions are being raised. Doubts linger
last novel, published in 1961, and bearing the title Te Winter about not only the process but the product. As I’ve traveled
of Our Discontent–a title drawn from the frst two lines of the globe listening and learning about what matters most, the
Shakespeare’s Richard III to wit “Now is the winter of our citizens I encounter in any given country or community seem
discontent, Made glorious summer by this son of York.” A more to agree that education remains a highly valued commodity–a
appropriate literary reference point for the title itself might well societal priority – one they continue to seek for themselves and
be the classic novel by Charles Dickens–A Tale of Two Cities–that most certainly value for their ofspring. Among the educators I
entrancing and enduring novel about the French Revolution meet, there appears to be a consensus about the issues that matter
that began in 1789: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of most regarding their prospects for success–fscal responsibility,
times…it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair …” focused investments, student engagement, program relevancy,
With A Tale of Two Cities, Dickens asserts his belief in the efective partnerships (at home and abroad), and of course,
possibility of resurrection and transformation, both on a personal student success–to name a few.
and societal level. Connected to the theme of resurrection is the In this particular edition, our contributing authors seek to
notion that sacrifce is necessary to achieve happiness. Te French enlighten us, not just about the problems, but more importantly
Revolution could come about only with a heavy and terrible cost– about some worthy prospects and possibilities. It may be the
personal loves and loyalties had to be placed at risk in an efort to “winter of discontent,” but if the passion and energy that went
achieve a better future–a heavily desired outcome. into these articles is any indication, despair might well be avoided

No one can deny we are at a crossroads–higher education is and our “spring of hope” may be within reach. Happy New Year!
experiencing a time of immense change and challenge, and May 2015 be rich and rewarding to you all. See you in Seattle for
th
the outcome is far from certain. Te 20 century bore witness our 24 Annual International Leadership Conference–Leadership
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to “massifcation,” leveraging an education template that in the High Defnition Age.
LEADERSHIP Vol. 20.3 Winter 2015 5

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